Frequency of cardiovascular risk factors among prisoners

ABSTRACT

To find out frequency of various risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in prisoners. This was an cross-sectional study involving prisoners recruited in Peshawar Heart Study [PHs]. All participants were interviewed in detail including family history, past medical history, smoking history and drug history. All participants pulse, blood pressure, body mass index [BMI] and waist hip ratio was determined. Their random blood sugar and total cholesterol was checked. ECG was carried out. Data was analyzed for cardiovascular risk factors. Total of 166 prisoners were screened and interviewed. Mean age was 62 years. Mean BMI was 26.52 +/- 4.59. Mean systolic BP was 136.8 +/- 22.91 mm Hg and mean diastolic BP was 87.77 +/- 11.93 mm Hg. Mean random blood cholesterol was 178.91 +/- 29.12mg/dl. Mean random blood sugar was 135 +/- 4.93 mg /dl. Out of 166 prisoners, 20 [2%] had random blood sugar more than 180 mg /dl. Active smokers were 36 [21.7%]. Most prisoners were not exercising 119 [71.7%]. We found that risk factors for cardiovascular diseases like lack of exercise, smoking, obesity and hypertension are quite frequent in this group